I love one-on-one Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work. I highly recommend seeing an IFS therapist if you can access and afford one, and it’s always the safest way to do IFS inner work.
But the IFS intervention that has impacted my healing the most is my daily IFS peer-to-peer parts processing with Emma Harper. While peer support is accessible, free of charge, and something you can do every day if you find a committed partner.
We do it nearly every day on WhatsApp voice message, and it has been transformational beyond description.
I’m leading a training on how to do peer to peer parts processing on Zoom November 1 & 2.
You can learn more and register here.
Our back and forth might look like the following sample WhatsApp message exchange. Here’s a mockup of real issues Emma and I are struggling with and have done parts processing on.
LISSA: Hey love. My parts are in a tizzy today about Jeff’s job situation…
EMMA: Hi sweetheart. I know how hard it’s been for you to leave Muir Beach…
LISSA: Thank you Emma.
I also understand the spiritual part that is trying to reframe the situation as a lesson in receiving, vulnerability, and surrender. It’s hard to see the bigger picture when all these intense emotions are swirling around. But it’s okay to feel angry, hurt, betrayed, and devastated. Your feelings are valid, and it’s important to honor and acknowledge them.
It sounds like you have a lot of conflicting parts within you, each with their own fears, desires, and needs. It’s a complex internal landscape, but acknowledging and exploring these parts can help you navigate through this challenging time. Remember to be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to feel whatever comes up. You are not alone in this, and there is support and understanding around you. It’s a beautifully agonizing dilemma. Please rewrite the following sentence:
“The dog ran quickly through the park.”